Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHESAPEAKE — The Chesapeake Panthers lost a lot of offense the past two seasons. One thing they haven’t lost is how to play defense.

The Panthers turned in a strong defensive effort as they downed the unbeaten Coal Grove Hornets 48-37 Tuesday in an Ohio Valley Conference game.

“Our effort was good. We had some defensive breakdowns in the second half, but overall we played well defensively,” said Panthers’ coach Ryan Davis.

Duffield scored 18 points including 5 of 7 from 3-point range. Javon Thompson had 12 points and 5 assists to lead the Panthers.

As a team, Chesapeake (2-1, 1-0) hit 18 of 38 shots from the field, but Davis was still a little disappointed in the shooting.

“We missed 13 layups, seven in the second half. We got good shots, we just have to finish,” said Davis.

Conor Markins scored 11 points — all in the second half — and Brandon Adkins had 10 points for the Hornets (4-1, 0-1).

Duffield scored 8 points in the first quarter as Chesapeake took a 15-7 lead. The defense limited the Hornets to 5 points in the second quarter and it was 24-12 at the half.

Markins got 6 points in the third quarter, but Chesapeake extended its lead to 36-22.

On Friday, Chesapeake hosts South Point and Coal Grove entertains Rock Hill in league games.

Coal Grove 7 5 10 15 = 37

Chesapeake 15 9 12 12 = 48

COAL GROVE (4-1, 0-1): Alex Bare 3 0 0-1 6, Sean Paulus 2 1 0-1 7, Isaiah Gunther 0 0 0-0 0, Brandon Adkins 2 2 0-0 10, Conor Markins 3 1 2-3 11 Austin “Red” Pleasants 0 0 0-0 0, Kyle Estep 1 0 1-2 3. Totals: 11 4 3-7 37. Rebounds: 20. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: Markins.

CHESAPEAKE (2-1, 1-0): Shane Stephens 0 0 0-0 0, Nick Duffield 1 5 1-5 18, Austin Carpenter 1 0 0-0 2, Caleb Lindsey 3 0 2-4 8, Caleb Heffner 4 0 0-1 8, Javon Thompson 3 1 3-4 12, Andrew Saunders 0 0 0-0 0, Aaron Thompson 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 18-38 6-14 48. 3-point goals: 6-9. Rebounds: 27 (Lindsey 10). Turnovers: 15. Fouls: 12. Fouled out: None.